MELVILLE, New York — (October 26, 2016) —Air Techniques, Inc., a leading innovator and manufacturer of dental equipment, announces the next generation of  cameras with CamX Triton HD, which features an interchangeable head system. CamX Triton HD allows you to easily and quickly change between intraoral imaging and caries diagnosis.

Air Techniques’ new CamX Triton HD camera allows dental professionals to use one device and workflow for all of their patient communication needs. Designed with every dental professional in mind, the CamX Triton HD boasts a slim, ergonomic design that fits comfortably in the hand. The sleek, rounded heads enable easy access to even the posterior and provide greater patient comfort. Triton HD offers simple functionality with advanced features like the one push auto-focus button which immediately brings the image into sharp clarity from any distance.       

“Our new CamX Triton HD offers two forms of patient communication all within one modern, sleekly designed camera system,” said Lindsay Viola, Product Manager of Diagnostic Systems. “The new CamX Triton HD offers unrivaled high resolution, delivering brilliant, sharp images with one-click, then simply change the head to document visualizations of carious lesions and plaque.”   

The CamX Triton HD CAM head delivers images in real HD quality, even in live video. The CAM head provides a flexible focal distance which allows you to take images from full face to macro. The Spectra interchangeable head supports you with aid in diagnosis and early detection of caries and visualization of plaque. It can also be used to reliably demonstrate the progress of caries removal. Both heads feature scratch-resistant lenses and are easily switched between camera and caries detection. 

Air Techniques offers an entire line of digital imaging products as well as an infection control line and is the leading dental manufacturer of dental vacuums and air compressors systems in North America. Air Techniques distributes their products globally through a large network of dealers. For more information on Air Techniques, please visit: www.airtechniques.com. Become a fan of Air Techniques on Facebook and follow the company on Twitter.

Danish dentist Dr. Nimmi Holstein has become the first 3Shape TRIOS® intraoral scanner user to submit a patient scan as part of the Invisalign® case submission process.

3Shape announced earlier this year that TRIOS could be used for Invisalign case submissions upon completion of the final validation process with Align Technology, maker of the Invisalign system. Now the validation process has been completed.

As a result, Holstein, a longtime Invisalign provider and the first dentist to take the TRIOS for Invisalign online training program, became the first dentist to submit a TRIOS patient scan as part of the Invisalign case submission process.

“Having worked with the Invisalign system for a long time, it was important to me that I could continue working with Invisalign products, even after switching from PVS to a TRIOS intraoral scanner," Holstein says. "3Shape and Align Technology are leaders in their respective fields and it is terrific that the two have worked together to make this happen. There are many doctors out there that will be very glad to know the connection is up and running."

To use the TRIOS scanner to send scans for Invisalign case submission, dentists need to first complete 3Shape’s mandatory online training program. The program is open to all Invisalign providers using TRIOS Standard, TRIOS Color, and TRIOS 3/TRIOS 3 Mono models. Upon completion of the short program, TRIOS users can send scans for Invisalign case submission free of charge.

Participants in the TRIOS for Invisalign training program are being on-boarded in groups based on when they register, on a first-come, first-served basis. Registered dentists can expect a personal invitation to the training program within the next 6 weeks.

To discover more about TRIOS and Invisalign case submissions, go to https://www.3shape.com/invisalign.

Jensen Dental hosted a 2-day, hands-on course at Intelligent Touch in Woodbury, Minnesota, recently.

Taught by Peter Pizzi, CDT, MDT, the course covered a rationale methodology to help eliminate the frustrations often encountered during the diagnostic process. Attendees learned how incorporating communication, material options and selection, photography, and color communication into their daily regiment cam enable them to achieve the highest level of predictability and satisfaction.

Attendees included, clockwise from back left, Dan Shelton; James Lee; Ed Vaterlaus; John Mattern; Dan Kowalewski; Pizzi; Heath Williams; Sharon Swanson; Gail Gosse-Johnson, CDT; Todd Larson, CDT; Kris Schmitz, CDT; Jill Hinze; Monica Hinds; Beate Maehler; Bahaa Darkazanly; Kurt Culp; CDT; Ashley Rohr; and David Geffre.

KINGSTON, R.I. — October 25, 2016 — The next time you brush your teeth, consider capturing the action on your cell phone — and sharing it with your dentist. The results might provide you with a better shine and fewer cavities by helping you learn to brush more effectively.

This was the initial finding from a pilot study to investigate tooth-brushing behavior and to see how it may change after training. Inventors have been intrigued by devices to measure toothbrushing for years, but only now with the wide availability of smartphones, sensors and other wireless technologies have they had the opportunity to measure the behavior in real-time and in the real-world, where it counts.

An expert in health tracking technology, University of Rhode Island Associate Professor of Psychology Theodore Walls was asked to participate in the study, particularly to assist with the behavioral data analysis. In partnership with the Case Western Reserve University, School of Dental Medicine, the study was facilitated by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and conducted in India.

With his combined background in statistics, movement and behavior, Walls said: “By tracking peoples’ health behaviors, we have the opportunity to detect important patterns with statistics and, in turn, intervene to help people with technology or other interventions.”

For this study, participants used stands to hold their smartphones and film themselves as they brushed their teeth. Even though the period of time for which the participants brushed did not change, the data suggested some improvement in their skill after the images were shown to dentists. The brush strokes were noted to be more accurate and increased in number. The study was published in the Indian Journal of Dental Research, July 2016.

“We’ve used similar techniques to track smoking behaviors — using tools that indicate when someone is smoking and how much, and where to set up early warning systems to prevent a behavior. Although the selfie concept is being used in a variety of health applications, we think this is the first time it’s been put to use to assess how people are brushing their teeth,” said Walls. “People recording themselves as they brush might help to improve dental hygiene.”

So open wide, and take out your cell phone as you brush!

Source: The University of Rhode Island [press release].  https://today.uri.edu/news/recent-study-uses-selfies-to-help-improve-tooth-brushing-techniques/.

Nobilium is expanding its presence on the West Coast of the United States and has hired Mathew T. Lane as a Technical Representative.

Lane formerly worked for Patterson Dental and Pepsico and has a wealth of technical experience to help Nobilium continue to grow digital dental technologies. He is based in Southern California to support Nobilium’s West Coast distribution center.

The impact of oral disease on whole-body health and the changes to the practice of dentistry worldwide are the subjects of The Future of Oral Heath, a new publication produced by Scientific American Custom Media, in collaboration with Colgate-Palmolive Company.

The issue will launch on October 21^st at the American Dental Association’s Annual Meeting in Denver during the panel discussion, “The Evolving Landscape of Global Oral Health, Its Prevention and Treatment,” moderated by Jeremy Abbate, VP and publisher of Scientific American and the publishing director of The Future of Oral Heath. Panelists include: Michael C. Alfano, DMD, PhD, Caswell A. Evans, DDS, MPH, Sharon Guynup, Thomas E. Van Dyke, DDS, PhD, Dipl. ABP (Periodontology) and Marko Vujicic, PhD.

The publication explores science, policy and new delivery models to better understand the current and future state of the multifaceted oral health field. Within the issue are updates on:

• The oral health of a growing elderly population; global health issue of caries and periodontal diseases and the latest industry developments helping to improve access and cost-of-care in these areas.

• The state of the science linking oral health and other areas of medicine and changes in the relationships between the dental and medical communities as they slowly de-silo and integrate to deliver better care and greater access for patients.

• New tools being employed in diagnostics, biotechnology, and digital health that are advancing care, along with a special look at how dentistry and oral health will be managed in the future.

• Philosophies and technologies that have fueled industry changes and ways in which global demographics are mandating more accommodating, on-demand approaches to dentistry that reduce cost and bring care to hard-to-reach populations.

“We are thrilled to be working with Colgate to bring these important issues to an international audience,” notes Jeremy Abbate, VP and Publisher, Scientific American and the project’s leader. “Examining oral health through the lens of global health, access to care, and future technology is a relevant conversation, not just for dentistry, but for the larger allied health space.”

Pat Verduin, Colgate’s Chief Technology Officer, concurs: “Solutions in oral health must address evolving patient needs, changing global demographics, and the ever-advancing innovation landscape that will affect delivery methods and models of care. We are very proud to be a part of this multifaceted conversation.”

St. Renatus LLC announced today that Kovanaze™ (tetracaine HCl and oxymetazoline HCl) Nasal Spray, the first FDA-approved, needle-free, regional dental anesthesia for the maxillary arch, is available for pre-order. The Kovanaze product launch coincides with the American Dental Association’s annual meeting in Denver, October 20-24.

Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on June 29, 2016, Kovanaze is indicated for regional anesthesia when performing a restorative procedure on teeth 4-13 and A-J in adults and children weighing more than 40 kg.

In Phase 3 clinical trials, use of Kovanaze in the anterior maxillary region during restorative procedures resulted in 96 percent efficacy in teeth 5-12 and 63 percent efficacy in teeth 4 and 13. Additionally, patients may not experience the same sensation of numbness or tingling of the lips and cheeks associated with injectable dental anesthetics. 

“It is a significant moment in dentistry as a new delivery method for pain management is now available,” said Steve Merrick, St. Renatus, Chief Executive Officer. “For decades, needles have been the mainstay for delivering dental anesthesia; now dentists have the option to offer patients a regional anesthesia via a nasal spray for restorative procedures in the smile zone.”

To learn more or to place an order, please visit Kovanaze.com, call the Kovanaze Support Line at 1-800-770-9400, or contact your local dental dealer.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:Use in patients with uncontrolled hypertension or inadequately controlled active thyroid disease of any typeis not advised. Tetracaine may cause methemoglobinemia, particularly in conjunction with methemoglobin-inducing agents. Use of KOVANAZE in patients with a history of congenital or idiopathic or methemoglobinemia is not advised. Methemoglobinemia should be consideredif central cyanosis unresponsive to oxygen therapy occurs, especially if methemoglobinemia-inducing agents have been used. Confirm diagnosis by measuring methemoglobin level with co-oximetry. Treat clinically significant symptoms of methemoglobinemia with a standard clinical regimen.Allergic or anaphylactic reactions can occur. If an allergic reaction occurs, seek emergency help immediately. KOVANAZE is contraindicated in patients with a history of allergy to tetracaine, benzyl alcohol, other ester local anesthetics, p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), oxymetazoline, or any other component of the product. Some clinicaltrial patients experienced an increase in blood pressure so blood pressure should be monitored. In addition, patients should be carefully monitoredfor dysphagia. KOVANAZE is not recommended for use in patients with a history of frequent nose bleeds. Concomitant use of monamine oxidase inhibitors, nonselective beta adrenergic antagonist, or tricyclic antidepressants may causehypertension and is not recommended. Discontinueuse of oxymetazoline-containing products 24 hours prior to KOVANAZE administration. Avoid concomitant use of intranasal products. The mostcommon adverse reactions to KOVANAZE occurring in >10% of patients include a runny nose, nasal congestion, nasal discomfort, sore throat, and watery eyes.

The ADEAGies Foundation announced today the winners of the 2017 William J. Gies Awards for Vision, Innovation and Achievement (The Gies Awards). The Gies Awards, named after dental education pioneer William J. Gies, Ph.D., debuted in 2008 and are the profession’s preeminent recognition for individuals and organizations that exemplify the highest standards in oral health and dental education, research and leadership. The 2017 Gies Awards will be presented on March 20 at a highly anticipated ceremony to be held in conjunction with the 2017 ADEA Annual Session & Exhibition in Long Beach, CA. Dentsply Sirona is the premier sponsor of the awards.

“Dentsply Sirona deeply values its partnership with the ADEAGies Foundation and is pleased to support the foundation as the Premier Sponsor of the 2017 Gies Gala,” says Terri Dolan, D.D.S., M.P.H., Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer at Dentsply Sirona, Inc.

The honorees were selected by a distinguished panel of judges consisting of the ADEAGies Foundation Board of Trustees. The 2017 Gies Award recipients are (in alphabetical order):

Colorado Dental Association

Gies Award for Vision – Public or Private Partner

Eastman Institute for Oral Health

Gies Award for Achievement – Academic Dental Institution

Allan J. Formicola, DDS, MS

Gies Award for Vision – Dental Educator

N. Karl Haden, PhD

Gies Award for Achievement – Public or Private Partner

Jordan Valley Community Health Center

Gies Award for Innovation – Public or Private Partner

Pacific Center for Special Care at University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry

Gies Award for Innovation – Academic Dental Institution

George K. Stookey, PhD, MS

Gies Award for Innovation – Dental Educator

University of Washington School of Dentistry – RIDE Program

Gies Award for Vision – Academic Dental Institution

Pamela Zarkowski, JD, MPH

Gies Award for Achievement – Dental Educator

“The outstanding winners of the 2017 Gies Awards were selected from a record number of nominations this year,” says Leo E. Rouse, D.D.S., FACD, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the ADEAGies Foundation. “The ADEAGies Foundation Board of Trustees congratulates the winners and thanks all of the nominators for the excellent submissions.”

Tickets for the celebration may be purchased starting in early December online at adea.org/2017 when registering for the 2017 ADEA Annual Session & Exhibition. For information on table sponsorship, contact Trish Smith at tsmith@wearecoulter.com or 703-506-3272.

The Journal of Investigative and Clinical Dentistry has published a study entitled “Comparison of The Canary System and DIAGNOdent for the in vitro detection of caries under opaque dental sealants.” This paper concluded that The Canary System can aid in the detection and monitoring of the status of tooth structure and caries beneath sealants. 

“Dental sealants are an excellent preventive tool for treating pits and fissures in posterior teeth” said Dr. Stephen Abrams, President of Quantum Dental Technologies. “Recent publications from the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the CDC all conclude that sealants should be an essential part of oral health care delivery. Unfortunately, over time, the bond with the fissure will degrade, allowing the ingress of oral fluids and bacteria, creating the ideal environment for caries to develop. Without The Canary System, these lesions are not detected until they have destroyed a large amount of tooth structure.”

The energy conversion technology, PTR-LUM, that powers The Canary System enabled investigators to find caries beneath 2mm. of Helioseal® F, Embraceä WetBondä, Delton®, UltraSeal XT® plusä sealants on 105 potential sound and carious pit/fissure sites on occlusal surfaces of 40 extracted human molars and premolars. Marked pits/fissures were scanned with The Canary System and DIAGNOdent before and after sealant placement. Using polarized light microscopy as the validation tool, the status (carious/non-carious) of each examined pit/fissure was confirmed. The accuracy of The Canary System was not affected by any sealant; DIAGNOdent produced a high number of false positive readings.

“Many dental sealants contain opacifying agents that exhibit intrinsic autofluorescence properties, resulting in false positives when scanned with DIAGNOdent, which uses fluorescence technology. The Canary System uses PTR-LUM technology which can ‘see through’ opaque sealants, giving clinicians a quantifiable measurement of the status of the enamel crystal structure”, said Dr. Koneswaran Sivagurunathan.

The Canary System, with its unique crystal structure diagnostics, can quantify, image, monitor and record changes in the structure of enamel, dentin and cementum. It can detect caries beneath opaque sealants, around the margins of restorations, and beneath interproximal, occlusal and smooth surfaces. The Canary Cloud enables dentists to view and manage this data and track Canary usage in the office.

Visit www.thecanarysystem.com or email sales@thecanarysystem.com to request additional information.

Drug-Resistant and Gum Disease-Causing Germs Selectively Destroyed by PerioLase MVP-7 Dental Laser

1064nm wavelength selectively vaporizes bad bacteria without harming healthy tissue

CERRITOS, Calif., Oct. 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Two new research studies demonstrate how the 1064nm wavelength PerioLase® MVP-7™ dental laser system, optimized for the LANAP® protocol, selectively destroys Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), a "keystone" pathogen that directs other gum tissue bacteria to become pathogenically active in the progressive destruction involved in moderate to severe gum disease. 

Pg has historically been identified as a black pigmented species bacteria based on its visible color in lab cultures.  Numerous studies by Midda and others have shown that Pg is destroyed in human treatments following the use of a 1064nm pulsed Nd:YAG laser. These two observations led to conjecture that Pg was also pigmented in the body (in vivo), and that the 1064nm wavelength kills the bacteria by targeting the visible (black) pigment.

"The Black Bug Myth, Selective Photodestruction of Pigmented Pathogens" by researchers David Harris, PhD, et al., clearly demonstrates that the PerioLase MVP-7 1064nm wavelength dental laser destroys Pg bacteria regardless of the amount of visible pigmentation or complete lack of visible pigmentation in the bacteria.

This research suggests that the PerioLase MVP-7 kills Pg bacteria by destroying an invisible chromophore. In other words, periodontal bugs do not need to be black, or even visible to the human eye, in order to be eliminated by the PerioLase MVP-7.

The second study, "Selective Photoantisepsis", published by Harris and Reinisch, focuses on selectively eliminating pathogens at different depths within a tissue model by analyzing the differences between the absorption of light energy by pathogens and host tissues. The study supports selective destruction of Pg and Prevotella intermedia (Pi) at depths of 3-4mm using a 1064nm pulsed-Nd:YAG laser. Unlike the 1064nm wavelength, the 810nm diode laser requires visible pigment to destroy the bacteria. The 810nm was also lethal to the healthy tissue at an earlier stage. The model indicates no selectivity for the 2940nm Er:YAG laser.

"These two studies add to our understanding of the reasons and mechanisms for the benefits of the PerioLase MVP-7 1064nm pulsed Nd:YAG laser in reducing the periodontal pathogens associated with gum disease," states Robert H. Gregg II, DDS, co-inventor of the PerioLase MVP-7 and inventor of the LANAP protocol. "It is no surprise that positive evidence and research continue to accumulate given the consistent, reproducible results our LANAP-trained clinicians have obtained for decades."

The PerioLase MVP-7 surgical laser, included in the PerioLase Periodontal Package (PPP), is manufactured exclusively by Millennium Dental Technologies, Inc.  The PPP includes the industry's best surgical training and the only clinical results guarantee.  The patent pending LANAP® Protocol and patent pending LAPIP™ Protocol are featured techniques in the highly acclaimed surgical training program offered by Millennium and presented by the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry.

Both studies were published in the journal Lasers in Surgery and Medicine.